CNCCH012: Advanced Vinyl Cutter and Heat Press - Using Multiple Colors
Ever wanted to make cooler, multi-colored vinyl-cut garments? This is the class you have been waiting for! Participants in this class will learn how to prepare vector files in Adobe Illustrator before utilizing advanced heat press techniques. We will see how great file preparation can help us create intricate, multi-layered designs that we will be proud to make and wear on a t-shirt. Your instructor will have a selection of monsters that range in difficulty so that no matter your skill level, there will be one that's just right.We will be walking participants though all the steps of garment decoration, so this class is great for anyone who has questions about how to get from start to finish.

There will be emphasis on multi-layered Thermoflex Plus as well as a more advanced Vinyl product known as TexTact Foil Adhesive. Participants are urged to bring an example .eps/.ai/.similar vector file so the instructor can establish a baseline for vector creation

In this hands-on class, you'll learn all the basics of using our heat press to add your own graphic designs to shirts, blankets, flags, bags and more!

Learn to use the computer-controlled (CNC) vinyl cutter and heat press in this Safety and Basic Use (SBU) class. Import vector (outline) designs from graphic software such as Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW into FlexiStarter, the software used to control the vinyl cutter. Next, use the CNC vinyl cutter to cut an adhesive vinyl sheet into professional looking signage or ready-to-apply paint masking as well as heat transfer vinyl for heat pressed shirts. This is a great tool for making screens for silkscreen printing, too!

Project: Custom t-shirt or tote bag

Prerequisites

Required: Understanding of vector-based graphics

Recommended:

COM201: Adobe Illustrator for CNC, COM207:CorelDraw for CNC

Equipment access: Vinyl cutter

Safety: Closed-toed shoes are required.

Once you take and successfully pass this class, you can use this equipment for your projects whenever you work at TechShop as a member!

VCarve Pro is an easy-to-use CNC toolpath engine that generates precision toolpaths for virtually all CNC machines. You'll learn how to convert CAD DXF files and graphic designs into GCode-based CNC toolpaths for machining high quality parts and components.

Cut3D is a dedicated toolpath engine for CNC machining 3D models that have been designed using a 3D CAD software such as Autodesk Inventor and other graphic design products. Cut3D's simple interface leads you step by step through the process of loading a model, setting the size, workholding, and calculating single, double- or four-sided roughing and finishing toolpaths. It will even allow you to virtually preview the results of your toolpath and then finally save the CNC code to run on your choice of machines.

Upon successful completion of this class you will have the experience and knowledge necessary to enroll in any Level 3 CNC Machining Series class.

* Membership is verified at the time of the class session. Be sure to bring your badge.

CNC302: CNC ShopBot SBU
In this Safety and Basic Use (SBU) class, learn to use the computer-controlled (CNC) ShopBot router to cut objects, parts or art designed in 2D or 3D CAD. This powerful tool is perfect for rapid prototyping and digital fabrication. Create parts with complex curves and surfaces from most woods, plastics, foams, and other composites (no metal on this machine). This class teaches the use of the machine, but does not cover CAD drawing or toolpathing. VCarve Pro (CNC 201) is a good starting point for people new to CAD and CAM.

Materials fee: Includes materials for the class project and a router bit for each student to keep.

* Membership is verified at the time of the class session. Be sure to bring your badge.

CNC301: CNC Tormach Milling Machine SBU
In this class, learn to use the CNC (computer-controlled) mill. This machine is the perfect combination of precision and power for any prototyping or hobby milling needs. Learn to convert G-code (created in InventorCAM, Cut 3D or VCarve Pro) into actual parts made from aluminum, steel, and even titanium.

Materials fee: Includes materials for the class project and an end mill for each student to keep.

* Membership is verified at the time of the class session. Be sure to bring your badge.

CNC403: Tormach II - 4th Axis and Tool Changes
In this class, students who have taken the basic Tormach class will learn to use advanced features of the machine and Mach3 software as well as the 4th-axis attachment. You will learn how to set up a tool index of multiple tools, increasing your efficiency of machining parts using multiple tools and parts. You will also learn how to set up and manually work the 4th-axis rotary table, opening up the world of 4th-axis machining and workholding solutions.

The 4th-axis attachment allows you to machine on a rotating cylinder, held in the horizontal or vertical position.

Setting up the tool index allows you to change tools quickly, without having to zero your Z.